Category Archives: Entertainment

Roland BRIDGE CAST makes game streaming a lot easier @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainmentces2023, gadgets, gaming, livestream, media, roland, streamingPLUGHITZ Live

Roland BRIDGE CAST Videogame streaming has become a major part of the entertainment industry. In our offices, you can almost always find at least one Twitch stream running with one of the popular streamers. As the industry grows, new issues are introduced. For example, the RIAA has recently discovered what’s going on with Twitch and started handing out DMCA strikes for music usage. Gamers have been looking for a middle ground on this issue, and the Roland BRIDGE CAST might just be the solution they’ve been looking for.

What is the Roland BRIDGE CAST?

The Roland BRIDGE CAST is a new audio interface designed specifically for online broadcasters. This can be gamers, podcasters, and more. The device is a broadcaster’s dream with all of the inputs you can need. Across the back, it features an auxiliary input and a line out, both of which are 1/8″ jacks, as well as a 1/8″ headphone jack.

The interface has also got dual USB-C ports. One is a dedicated power port, which is a nice choice for those who aren’t going to have the device in a highly trafficked area. The other is for connecting the mixer to a computer for input and output of sound.

Most importantly, the Roland BRIDGE CAST features an XLR jack for a microphone. This allows you to use any type of professional microphone you might want to use. To make the offering better, the XLR jack has 48 V Phantom power to support the more powerful professional microphones like the ones we use in our studios.

What sets the Roland BRIDGE CAST apart?

One of the features that really sets the Roland BRIDGE CAST apart from the other competing options is its dual mix option. This means that you can have two separate and unique outputs coming from the same set of devices. The most common usage today would be for different music options for the streamer and their audience.

Why might a streamer want to hear something different from their audience? Because of copyright concerns. Many gamers like to listen to certain music to help get them in the zone to play better. But, to include that audio as part of a public broadcast, the streamer can be hit with DMCA strikes for using copyrighted music without permission. By using dual outputs, the gamer can listen to the copyrighted music that they want to listen to while playing something else, such as royalty-free music publicly.

On that topic, the Roland BRIDGE CAST system actually includes a large collection of royalty-free music that can be used safely on streams. So, those who are looking to keep their streams both entertaining and legal can use this collection as part of their public feed.

Summary

If you are a streamer or podcaster and are looking for a serious audio interface, the Roland BRIDGE CAST is a solid choice to consider. It is not yet available but is expected to launch in Quarter 2 of 2023. To learn more about the Roland BRIDGE CAST, head over to the product page.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Canon MREAL makes mixed reality a more natural place @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Metaverse, Virtual Realityaugmented reality, canon, ces2023, gadgets, mixed reality, virtual realityPLUGHITZ Live

Canon MREAL MR hardware Virtual reality has become a big business. Brands from several companies, including Apple and Facebook, have gotten into the virtual reality space in recent years. However, an up-and-coming aspect of the virtual space is augmented and mixed reality – a slightly different take on the concept. Canon, a company known for its cameras and optics, has entered the space with the Canon MREAL Platform.

What is Mixed Reality and how is it different from Virtual Reality?

Mixed Reality (MR), sometimes referred to as ‘Hybrid Reality’, combines elements of both augmented and virtual reality. While virtual reality immerses you in an entirely digital world, mixed reality adds real-world elements like textures, sounds, and light into the mix. This means that with mixed reality, users can interact with digital objects as if they were real, in a more realistic way. For example, a virtual table could be used to virtually hold a physical object, allowing the user to interact with the digital environment in an intuitive and natural way.

MR also has implications for remote collaboration, allowing multiple users from different locations to connect and interact with each other without being physically present in the same space. This technology has been successfully used in training, education, and entertainment settings, allowing users to explore three-dimensional objects with their hands as if they were actually there. Mixed reality also has advantages when it comes to reducing travel costs, time, and energy associated with collaborating across distances.

Using mixed reality is a powerful way to enhance the user experience in any setting. The technology provides an immersive, tactile approach to interacting with digital content, allowing users to explore objects and environments through a combination of physical movements and computer-generated visuals. It is also a great tool for communicating ideas and collaborating on projects, as its ability to bridge physical and virtual spaces makes it ideal for remote meetings, training, and demonstrations. Mixed reality also allows users to visualize complex 3D models in real-time, providing a more efficient way to evaluate designs or make edits on the fly. Finally, it has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with products, machines, and data in industrial settings by providing an intuitive, hands-on approach to understanding complex systems. Mixed reality offers an exciting and powerful way to explore virtual worlds and bridge the gap between physical and digital realms.

Mixed reality is also finding its way into more everyday applications outside of gaming, including education, healthcare, and retail. For example, teachers can use mixed reality to create immersive learning experiences, allowing students to virtually explore difficult concepts such as anatomy or the solar system. In healthcare, mixed reality can help doctors diagnose and treat patients more effectively by providing 3D visualizations of patient data. Finally, retailers are using this technology to create engaging shopping experiences through virtual try-ons and product demos.

Canon MREAL

Canon has placed a strong emphasis on the interaction between the real and virtual worlds. In particular, the focus of the platform is to make the way the physical world touches the virtual world in a natural way. With other hardware platforms, your real hands tend to mix too much with the virtual objects. In particular, they tend to lose their depth and vanish into virtual items or remain on top of them.

Canon has worked hard to ensure that your hands are tracked accurately and that only the parts that should be behind an object are. For example, if you are grabbing the handle of a microwave, your fingers will go behind the handle while your hand will remain in front. Obviously, this focus helps to make the Canon MREAL experience more natural so that new uses can be found for the technology. It makes it more accessible, so more people can find usefulness in the technology.

The Canon MREAL hardware has been available in Japan and the company is looking to bring it to the United States. To learn more about the technology and follow the product’s release plans, check out the product website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Dusk Sport: Smart sunglasses with adjustable tint @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Gadgetsbluetooth, ces2023, gadgets, glasses, SpeakerPLUGHITZ Live

Ampere Dusk Sport One of the everyday items that the tech industry has become interested in is glasses. A lot of interesting ideas have come about surrounding glasses, such as adding Bluetooth speakers and headphones to the earpieces, or even guidance for visually impaired people, But, Amonpere has a new way of looking at glasses with their Dusk line of sunglasses.

What are Dusk sunglasses?

Dusk sunglasses are a new take on both the smart glasses concept and the transitional sunglass lens concept, all in a single product line. These glasses don’t use a photochromic lens film to transition from regular glasses to sunglasses. Instead, they use an electric lens film to make the change. This gives a number of interesting and unique benefits.

First, the glasses can be changed manually. This is accomplished either through a button on the frame or through your phone. On the frame, you can press a button and have it cycle through a couple of preset states. This can be regular glasses, full sunglasses, or several steps in between. From your phone, the same thing can be accomplished, but with a higher degree of granularity. You can also set the presets on some models from the app.

Another big difference is the ability to set a darkness level on a whim. Rather than being saddled by the sun and the rules created by the manufacturer, you get to respond to your environment as you please. Do you want to set the lenses to be full sunglasses inside in the dark? You can do it. Are you trying to look at something in detail outside and need clear lenses? You can do that, too.

However, if adjusting manually isn’t what you’re after, you can also activate the company’s InstaOptic feature. While this may sound like standard photochromic lenses, they respond differently. They use light sensors to tell the onboard computer that the light has changed. The user can then decide how to respond to these changes – they can be immediate, like other transition lenses, or they can wait for a period to ensure the change is permantent.

In addition to the lenses, the higher-end devices also integrate Bluetooth audio into the frames. Since you’re already connected to your phone, you might as well use the same devices to listen to music or podcasts while you walk or run.

The new Dusk Sport

The Dusk Sport model is the newest addition to the lineup. These glasses have all of the features of the regular Dusk sunglasses, but in a style that is designed for outdoor activities. It comes in two frame styles – Speed and Action. The lenses also come in a selection of colors, so you can make the glasses your own. These frame styles have become popular even outside of athletes, as they are fashion-forward and interesting looking.

Summary

The Dusk and Dusk Lite glasses are already available. The Dusk is available for $299 and the Dusk Lite is available for $199. The Dusk Sport is available through crowdfunding now with a retail price of $399, but a pre-order price of $279.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Shower Power Buddies make shower time fun for kids @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Homebathroom, bluetooth, ces2023, gadgets, kids, shower, SpeakerPLUGHITZ Live

Ampere Shower Power Buddies Do you remember bath time as a kid? You got to be mostly alone in the bathtub with bubbles and toys. It was a great time for pretend – instead of just holding a boat in the bath, you can pretend that you are the captain of the boat. But, as we grow up, that bath time ends and is replaced by a shower, because we need a better cleansing process. But, the fun gets lost along with bath time. However, Ampere wants to bring that fun from the bath to the shower with the Shower Power Buddies.

What is the Shower Power?

The Shower Power line is a line of products for the shower. These devices fit behind your showerhead and function as Bluetooth speakers. The speaker is powered entirely by the water flowing through the device, meaning that you’ll have full sound while taking a shower.

Some models improve on this concept in several ways. The Shower Power Pro, for example, adds lighting to the speaker. So, in addition to the music or podcasts, you can also get a light show as part of your shower experience. The company’s line of shower products is definitely intended to focus on bringing a fun atmosphere to a normal, boring shower.

What makes Shower Power Buddies different?

Shower Power Buddies are an evolution of the company’s previous Shower Power products. They expand on the concept of making a shower more fun while placing a bigger emphasis on kids. In addition to the lights and Bluetooth speaker, these new products add fun characters to the mix.

The goal, of course, is to try to bring some of the playtime fun from bath time into the shower. Trying to get kids to transition from baths to showers can be a real challenge, as kids prefer the simpler and more fun bath. But, it’s important to get kids to make the change, and have a way to continue the fun.

The Shower Power Buddies will launch with a selection of characters, including a narwhal, a fish, and a rubber ducky. There is an obvious theme here, as all of the launch characters are water themed. The connection is clear and purposeful since the product is supposed to be a transitional item from bath to shower. In the bath, the kids are used to toys, such as a rubber ducky.

In addition to the characters, the Shower Power Buddies also separate themselves from the rest of the line by being a completely integrated showerhead. This is so that the shower toy, which is the product, will be in the kid’s hands as they take their shower if they remove it from the wall. It’s a more fun experience and a better way to get clean.

Summary

The existing line of Shower Power products, including the Shower Power and Shower Power Pro are available now. The Shower Power is available for $99. The Shower Power Pro is available for $149. The newest entry in the line, the Shower Power Buddies, will be available in the second quarter of 2023 and will retail for around $149. To learn more about the company and its full product line, check out their website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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TWT Audio: affordable, powerful and customizable headphones @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Homeaudio, ces2023, gadgets, gaming, headphonesPLUGHITZ Live

TWT Audio gaming headphones We all know that there are many choices out there when it comes to the headphone market, but few companies try to be as customizable as possible or try to balance affordability with high-quality audio. You’re usually going to get quality sound with a decent design and a high price tag, or an affordable price with stale audio and LED lights to distract you from its flaws. TWT Audio wants to change up the formula with their current line of headphones.

Modularized parts are one of the key focuses for this line. Detachable ear cups, not just the cousin mind you, are available across the board. They have different styles of earcups, different colors, and earcups made of materials designed to deal with moisture from working out. This can especially appeal to gamers and streamers who are also fitness buffs. You’d have the ability to move from your streaming rig right to your workout area and swap to your sweat-resistant ear cups for a worry-free workout stream.

The audio cable is also modularized. The input device is swappable: you can go from a USB-C connection to a USB-A connection to a 3.5mm connection or even a 1/4 inch connection into an amplifier if you wanted. Seems to be just a quick screw removal from under the ear cup, and simply swapping the part and you’re good to go. TWT Audio is making sure that the customization aspect is as easy as possible.

Audio Quality is an aspect they want to emphasize in their gaming model, the Victory 250XG model. Not seen in the interview, I got a good demonstration with a Fortnite match. Projectile paths, sounds of vehicles, and footsteps were all coming from their precise directions. Along with that, the proper volume of sounds depending on their proximity to your character. Sounds were crisp and clear and it’s hard to believe how close these headphones come to the higher-end, more expensive headphones on the market.

Comfort level is always important and these do not fall short of other quality headphones. The ear cups are cushioned as well as the band over your head. It’s adjustable enough to fit over my large head and hair. Many headphones in the affordability classes cut costs in these areas in particular, so I think it’s important to note that TWT Audio seems to have found a sweet spot with these products.

Notable aspects of each model: the Victory 250XG gaming headset has an omnidirectional “silicon flex” mic, come with mesh ear cups and the ear cups’ angle can be adjusted for comfort options. The Revo headset has the boom-lift activated mute feature and stealth release changeable cable and ear customization options. Ultra Durable Pro doesn’t have the customization options but it has the same functionality and audio quality that TWT Audio is becoming known for. Lastly, the Ultra Ergo is perfect for your work-at-home or office settings.

TWT Audio is taking the market by storm and with their plans for partnerships with educational programs and esports organizations, I’m sure this will be a brand for many to know and love. The 4 product names I mentioned above are all currently available on Amazon via the links below. Also, the Audiophile and Gaming Pro headsets should be available sometime in the near future.

The current line of headphones are available now: The Victory 250XG retail for $39.99, the Ultra Durable Pro retail for $31.99, and the Ultra Ergo retail for $20.99. There is also the REVO headsets run $36.99 and are available for volume purchase.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Familink makes a truly connected photo frame for families @ CES 2023

January 27, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Gadgetsces2023, connected device, digital photography, family, gadgetsPLUGHITZ Live

Familink Connected Photo Frame Digital picture frames are not a new product category. In fact, they’ve existed nearly as long as LCD screens have been affordable. However, as time has gone on, new features have been added to these products in order to make them easier to use for those to whom we really want to give them. The biggest issue has been giving a photo frame to an older member of the family and never being able to change the photos. The team at Familink looks to fix that with a truly connected device.

What is Familink?

Familink is a company that specializes in creating products that allow families to share photos. In particular, the company focuses on allowing family members to share photo experiences with their older loved ones. There are currently 2 product offerings for the company: The Magazine and The 4G Photo Frame. The Photo Frame is the product that was shown off at the show this year. It is a traditional digital picture frame, but with a few added features.

Familink’s 4G Photo Frame is a great way for families to make sure that their elderly loved ones are able to enjoy photos even when they don’t have access to the latest technology. With its simple setup and easy use, it’s an ideal choice for those who may not be tech-savvy. As a bonus, it’s also a great way for families to stay connected even when miles apart.

Why choose Familink?

Firstly, the frame works without Wi-Fi, making it perfect for elderly individuals who may not have access to such technology. However, if the family member does have Wi-Fi at home, then the frame can be connected to that network instead of relying on cellular connectivity.

Secondly, it is made ready to use right out of the box and requires minimal setup. This is ideal for a family member who is technically challenged. If everything is ready to go right out of the box, it means that there is no need for a phone call or a trip to visit just to help setup the frame.

Thirdly, it has an automatic switch off at night so that you don’t have to worry about it running all night long. This is a feature we have begun to see in smart screens, allowing the screen to reduce power consumption as well as ambient light created within the house.

Fourthly, the photos are displayed instantly and can be changed from any smartphone or tablet via the Familink app. This allows family members from around the world to send new photos to the screen to update your family on their lives. The updates can also be done without installing an app, by either sending photos to a special email address or even through Messenger.

Summary

The Familink team looks forward to continuing to bring innovative solutions to families everywhere and connecting families together in ways that have never been done before. In today’s world of technology, it’s nice to have a product that allows us to keep the important people in our lives close even when they are far away. To learn more about the company or to purchase the frame for $149, you can go to the company website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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TWT Audio makes durable headphones for music and gaming @ CES 2023

January 27, 2023CES 2023, Entertainmentces2023, gadgets, gaming, headphones, mediaPLUGHITZ Live

TWT Audio Durable Headphones When you work with audio hardware, you know that it can be fragile. This is especially the case when you take something like headphones and put them into a public space, like a school, library, or gaming center. When people don’t have to pay for something, they don’t have a lot of respect for it. This is known as the tragedy of the commons. However, sometimes a company comes along to tackle these common issues, like TWT Audio.

Who is TWT Audio?

TWT Audio is a brand that designs and produces headphones. The brand started out in the educational space producing headphones for schools. The top challenge that they experienced in schools was the durability of the headphones. Kids didn’t have any interest in maintaining headphones that weren’t theirs, especially in an environment they might not want to be in. So, the company took on this challenge to help reduce costs for schools.

Today, the company has taken what it learned in the educational sphere and has applied it to the consumer market. By bringing the concept of durability to consumer headphones, they have entered into an interesting space that has been sorely lacking for years. In addition, the company also focuses on keeping the cost of the products down while also making them visually unique.

TWT Audio’s focus on design

The initial products from the product line are focused on standard headphone use – music and speech. These headphones are comfortable and durable, while also sounding great. But the company has another differentiator – modular design. Many of the products have the ability to replace the pieces that take the most damage through usual use. For example, if your ear cups wear out or start to shred, which they will, you can unclip them and replace them.

Another aspect of modular design is in the cabling. The cable itself can be removed, allowing you to replace it in the event the cable wears out. We know that these cables, no matter what you do to prepare, are going to wear out, so this is a nice option. However, it also gives the ability to change the type of cable. Want to hook up to a headphone jack? No problem. Connecting to a computer? That’s an option. Looking to connect to a Hi-Fi system? That cable exists, too. So, one headset to rule them all.

In addition to the standard audio headphones, the company is also releasing their Victory series – a line of gaming focused headphones. They feature the same focus on quality and durability, but with different tuning. Rather than tuning the headphones for speech and music, the Victory series is tuned for foley. Foley is an term for the physical sound effects in media, such as snapping celery to create the sound of a punch.

In this case, the tuning allows a gamer to hear things like gunfire and footsteps in more detail than other sounds. With that focus, a player can get a better feel for where another player is in relationship to themselves.

Summary

TWT Audio products are available for purchase now. Headphones range in price from around $20 to $180. To learn more about the company, you can go to its website. To purchase one for yourself, you can find them on Amazon.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Skyted is a noise isolation mask for calls and streaming @ CES 2023

January 25, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Entertainment, Gadgetsces2023, gadgets, gaming, livestream, mobile, phone, smartphonePLUGHITZ Live

Skyted Noise Isolation Mask Too often these days, we are forced into places that are not conducive to conversation. This is exacerbated when you’re on the phone or computer. This happens because microphones, in general, do not discriminate between sounds. These microphones pick up whatever sound they hear and push it to the other side of the call. In a loud area, this means it’s nearly impossible for the person on the other side of the call to hear anything you say. This is the problem that Skyted is hoping to solve.

What is Skyted?

Skyted is a headset, of sorts, intended to improve sound quality while in a loud environment. At first sight, it might appear to be a little odd. However, the design is well-tested for years. That’s because the device is modeled after the systems used on fighter jets. The device fits over the mouth as a full mask, allowing for sound to be isolated and directed toward the microphone.

Skyted is different than other headsets because it is designed to block out background noise. This means that when you are in a loud environment, such as a game center, or simply talking on the phone in public, your sound will be isolated and clear for the people you’re speaking with.

Other headsets may attempt to filter out environmental sounds, but they are limited in what they can do. With the Skyted headset, you can be sure that your sound is clear and crisp even in a loud environment.

Who is Skyted for?

One of the great strengths of Skyted is its versatility. Because the mask microphone is designed to work with Bluetooth, it can be used for a variety of purposes. The original purpose is to allow for public phone calls – limiting the background noise, but also preventing people around you from having to listen.

In the past few years, however, other types of public calls have become commonplace. in particular, Teams and Zoom calls have become a regular part of doing business, especially while traveling. But, working in public has become a normal situation, even for those not traveling.

In addition, gaming in public has become more common. Gaming centers, like our friends at STRYKE eSports in Tampa, are popping up in more places. Online gaming is enhanced by live chat, which is equally difficult in public. But, with the Skyted system, you can chat with other players without having to hide in a pod and without disrupting the gamers around you.

Another aspect of public speech where the Skyted can really be a benefit is streaming. Obviously, if you’re streaming a game in a game center, the benefits are clear. However, there’s a lot of In Real Life (IRL) streaming, where people stream their experiences with games outside of a studio. This applies to games like Pokémon GO, where you have to be in the wild to play. Once again, this device will help you isolate yourself from the people around you while streaming.

Summary

Skyted is planning to be made available through pre-orders starting in March 2023. To learn more about Skyted or to pre-order one for yourself, you can go to the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Toniebox makes story and music time easier for young kids @ CES 2023

January 24, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Entertainment, Gadgetsces2023, gadgets, kids, media, music, Speaker, storytellingPLUGHITZ Live

tonies kids' smart speaker Children enjoy music and stories, but younger kids need help. Things like CDs or even streaming services require too much interaction and knowledge – plus they usually require a screen. This is where the Toniebox comes in, producing a smart speaker that allows kids to listen to music and stories on their own in a safe and easy way.

What is the Toniebox?

It’s an innovative audio system designed specifically for little listeners. With its soft, rugged construction and low-maintenance charging, Toniebox is the perfect companion for your child’s music adventures. It also comes with a select compilation of traditional children’s songs preloaded, so there’s no need to search through endless libraries of music!

Just turn it on and pop a Tonie on top, and your child can be off to explore the audio world! With its long-lasting battery life of up to 7 hours, you can be sure that Toniebox will keep kids entertained all day long. So, set your little ones free with this speaker – they’ll love it!

The Toniebox is a fantastic way to introduce children to music, stories, and sound effects in an interactive and engaging format. Get your kids’ imagination running wild with this fun and an easy-to-use audio system!

How does the Toniebox work?

Simply turn on the Toniebox and pop a Tonie on top. The device then automatically starts playing audio content from the chosen Tonie. If this is the first time that the Tonie has been placed on the box, it will go out to the internet and download the associated audio file. This means that you’ll need to be connected to the internet the first time you use a new Tonie. After that, the audio is stored on the Toniebox for future listening. In fact, the speaker has the ability to hold around 100 audio files and has an algorithm to determine what to remove based on how frequently and recently a Tonie has been used.

When your child is done listening, just take off the Tonie and the Toniebox will power down automatically. With its easy-on, easy-off charging system, you can be sure that your Toniebox is always ready for those long listening sessions. This makes it easy for the kid to use the box and not have to worry so much about charging.

What audio is available?

There are some great options available, including children’s songs, stories, and sound effects – so there’s something for everyone! The company produces a variety of Tonies based on existing and original characters. These characters include everything from Sesame Street to Disney to Peter Rabbit. Some of these Tonies have licensed content that already exists, while others have original content.

For example, the company has worked directly with the voice actors for several Sesame Street voice actors in order to create exclusive stories within the Sesame Street experience. The company also has its own characters available. This allows them to expand the offering beyond just licensing.

Summary

The Toniebox is currently available in several various markets. The starter sets run $100 which includes the Toniebox and a variety of Tonies depending on the set. Additional Tonies are available generally running at $15. Some of the more unique Tonies, such as the nightlight, cost more. To learn more about Tonies and the Toniebox, head over to the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Skinetic adds haptic feedback to virtual reality and more @ CES 2023

January 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Gadgets, Metaverse, Virtual Realityces2023, gadgets, gaming, haptics, VRPLUGHITZ Live

Skinetic Haptic Feedback Vest Playing a videogame is intended to extend the experience of entertainment into a more personal connection. With a movie or TV show or even a play, you watch what is happening and pretend to put yourself into the action. With a videogame, however, you are in control over the experience – sometimes in small ways and others in large ways. However, we’re still generally separated from the game in a variety of ways, but Actronika wants to bring you directly into the game experience with Skinetic.

Who is Actronika?

Actronika is a company specializing in haptic technology. While we all think of haptics as the phone vibrating when we touch it, there’s much more to the technology. In this case, the company focuses on a more high-definition version of haptics. The more focused technology allows for the creation of different haptic zones as well as different textures.

This technology has come together to form Skinetic – a haptic vest that can provide feedback during an entertainment session. The vest is able to replicate the sensation experienced by the character on the screen while not intentionally hurting the one experiencing it. The best part is that this is not limited to gaming. In fact, it can be used across nearly any type of entertainment.

Skinetic in gaming

The Skinetic vest is a perfect companion for gaming. When you’re playing a game and a grenade goes off nearby, being able to feel that explosion makes the game a more immersive experience. But, because of the detail of the vest, you can also have a smaller experience, such as being tapped on the shoulder.

While this seems like a perfect companion for traditional gaming, it’s even better for virtual reality. VR glasses are specifically designed to place you in a first person perspective for your entertainment experience. By adding Skinetic into the mix, the experience truly does become more personal as well as more immersive. The game can bring you into the action and leave you with more of a consequence for failure.

Skinetic in movies and television

While interactive entertainment is the most obvious place for Skinetic, it can also work well for passive entertainment. The inclusion of haptic feedback into movie and television can help to pull you more into the entertainment. In gaming, you’ll have consequences for your own actions, while in this example you’ll have consequences for the actions of the characters on screen.

How does Skinetic work?

Skinetic has to be integrated into the development of the entertainment experience. For example ,a videogame developer must know about Skinetic and build for it. Fortunately, we’ve already seen some big titles get on-board, including the VR experience Half-Life: Alyx, which many consider to be one of the definitive VR games.

Development is made easy, though. Unlike many gaming tools, Skinetic support can be built outside of the game.development tools, you can create and test the individual textures and feelings.ect and quicker development. Once you have your texture, you can import it into your game.

The vest is incredibly detailed in design. There are 20 action zones, meaning that if someone taps you on the left shoulder, you can feel it only on the left shoulder. This is something that sets it apart from other VR vests, in that the experience can be tailered to the game environment.

Summary

The Skinetic is still under development, but developers can get ahold of a prototyping kit or evaluation kit. For consumers, you’ll have to wait only a little while, as the pricut is intended to hit the market in May 2023. To learn more about Skinetic and Actronika, head over to the company’s website.

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